Butt closures and bases therefor

ABSTRACT

A butt closure base includes a base housing defining a plurality of cavities. A first gel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of wedge assemblies, each of the plurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of the plurality of cavities. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies includes an outer cover, a second gel, and a main pressure plate in contact with the second gel. The main pressure plate is movable along a longitudinal axis to apply pressure to the second gel. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies further includes a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes an adjustable tab and a stop member movable between a first position which limits movement of the adjustable tab and a second position in which movement of the adjustable tab is not limited by the stop member.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/826,962, filed on Mar. 23, 2020, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to closures, such as for fiberoptic cable connections, and more specifically to improved bases forbutt closures.

BACKGROUND

Certain closures, referred to as “butt” or “domed” closures, areutilized in outdoor environments to facilitate the connection oftransmission cables such as fiber optic cables. The cables enter theclosure through a sealed base, and connection of the cable elementsoccurs within the closure. In the case of fiber optic cables,spliced-together optical fibers are held within the closure.

In many cases, the closure must be sealed to a significant exteriorpressure, in some cases to a 20 foot waterhead pressure or more.Further, the closure must accommodate a large range of cables. Forexample, cable diameters for medium size closures can range from 0.4″ to1.2″ and for smaller cables, multiple cables (such as three and/or four)must pass through a single port.

Many known closures use through-holes in the bases thereof with sealsthat enter into the ports defined in the bases. However, such seals inmany cases are not reliable or are difficult to utilize. Additionally,in many cases, known closures require that all seals be sealed andunsealed together as a single sealing system.

Accordingly, improved bases for use with butt closures would beadvantageous. Specifically, bases which provide improved sealing for alarge variety of cable diameters and which are easy and efficient toutilize are desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be obvious from the description, or may belearned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, a butt closure base is provided. Thebutt closure base includes a base housing extending along a longitudinalaxis between a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the basehousing defining a plurality of cavities between the first and secondouter surfaces, the plurality of cavities aligned in an annular array. Afirst gel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities. The buttclosure base further includes a plurality of wedge assemblies, each ofthe plurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of theplurality of cavities. Each of the plurality of wedge assembliesincludes an outer cover, a second gel, and a main pressure plate incontact with the second gel. The main pressure plate is movable alongthe longitudinal axis to apply pressure to the second gel.

In accordance with another embodiment, a butt closure is provided. Thebutt closure includes a cover defining an interior and an opening whichprovides access to the interior. The butt closure further includes atray assembly insertable into the interior. The butt closure furtherincludes a base insertable at least partially into the interior. Thebase includes a base housing extending along a longitudinal axis betweena first outer surface and a second outer surface, the base housingdefining a plurality of cavities between the first and second outersurfaces, the plurality of cavities aligned in an annular array. A firstgel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities. The base furtherincludes a plurality of wedge assemblies, each of the plurality of wedgeassemblies removably insertable into one of the plurality of cavities.Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies includes an outer cover, asecond gel, and a main pressure plate in contact with the second gel.The main pressure plate is movable along the longitudinal axis to applypressure to the second gel.

In some exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of wedge assembliesfurther includes a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes anadjustable tab and a stop member movable between a first position whichlimits movement of the adjustable tab and a second position in whichmovement of the adjustable tab is not limited by the stop member.

In some exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of wedge assembliesfurther comprises an outer flange extending from the outer cover, andwherein each of the plurality of wedge assemblies further comprises aplurality of apertures defined at an intersection between the outerflange and the outer cover, and wherein the second gel extends througheach of the plurality of apertures.

In some exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of cavities isdefined between surfaces of opposing sidewalls, and wherein the surfacesextend substantially parallel to each other.

In some exemplary embodiments, movement of the pressure plate is causedby an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator is a screw having afirst thread portion and a second thread portion, wherein a second outerdiameter of the second thread portion is greater than a first outerdiameter of the first thread portion. In some embodiments, a sealassembly is disposed between the cover and the base. The seal assemblymay include a seal member and a support member, the seal memberconnected to the support member.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of wedge assemblies furtherincludes an outwardly extending portion extending between the outerflange and the outer cover.

In accordance with another embodiment, a wedge assembly for a buttclosure base is provided. The wedge assembly includes an outer cover anda main pressure plate moveable along a longitudinal axis. The wedgeassembly further includes a latch assembly, the latch assemblycomprising an adjustable tab and a stop member movable between a firstposition which limits movement of the adjustable tab and a secondposition in which movement of the adjustable tab is not limited by thestop member.

In some exemplary embodiments, the wedge assembly further includes agel. The main pressure plate is in contact with the gel and is movablealong the longitudinal axis to apply pressure to the gel.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a butt closure in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base for a butt closure in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates the base of FIG. 2 with a cable and cable collarassembly inserted in a cavity thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective inner view of a wedge assembly in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a wedge assembly being connectedto a base in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a wedge assembly being connected toa base in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a wedge assembly after connectionto a base in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a wedge assembly, illustratingmovement of a main equalization plate thereof, in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a wedge assembly illustrating acompression assembly in a non-compressed position in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a wedge assembly illustrating acompression assembly in a compressed position in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective outer view of a portion of a wedge assemblywith adjustable tabs in engaged positions in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective outer view of a portion of a wedge assemblywith adjustable tabs in disengaged positions in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a cable collar assembly inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a cable collar assembly in acavity in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a lower portion of a wedge assemblywithout a gel for illustrative purposes in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates the wedge assembly of FIG. 15 with the gel;

FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of the closure cover and a seal assemblyin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a seal assembly in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates a portion of the closure cover and a seal assemblyin accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a seal assembly in accordance withother embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an assembled closurein accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a top cross-sectional view of a base housing of a closure inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of a wedge assembly being connectedto a base in accordance with other embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24 is a front outer view of a wedge assembly with adjustable tabsin engaged positions in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 25 is a rear inner view of a wedge assembly with adjustable tabs inengaged positions in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 26 is a side outer view of a wedge assembly with a stop member in afirst position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a side outer view of a wedge assembly with a stop member in asecond position in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28 is a front outer view of a wedge assembly with adjustable tabsin disengaged positions in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 29 is a rear inner view of a wedge assembly with adjustable tabs indisengaged positions in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of a wedge assembly afterconnection to a base in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 31 is a side view of a portion of latch assembly in a disengagedposition in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 32 is a side view of a portion of latch assembly in an engagedposition in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 32, embodiments of butt closures 10 inaccordance with the present disclosure are provided. Closures 10 inaccordance with the present disclosure, and in particular the basesthereof, advantageously provide improved sealing when utilized with alarge variety of cable diameters. Additionally, closures 10 and basesthereof are easy and efficient to utilize in the field, with theinstallation of cables in a base in a secure, sealed manner being easilyand efficiently accomplished.

Various additional advantages of closures and bases in accordance withthe present disclosure include: the use of gel allows for use of a largerange of cable diameters; the wedge assembly design allows cables to beinstalled by laying them into the wedge are and not having to feed themthrough a round port; molding of the gel through apertures in the wedgeassembly allows the gel to be stable and robust and to stay in positionin the wedge assembly; the gel extending through the apertures sealswith the sealing assembly, thus improving sealing of the cover and baseof the closure together; in some embodiments, a plate on the outside ofthe wedge seal automatically pressurizes the gel when the closure issubmerged in water which improves the sealing pressure; the cable collarassembly includes self-orienting features for the cable clamp thereof;and/or the seal member between the base and the cover is contained inthe dome using a snap feature or fastener which prevents accidental lossof the seal member.

A coordinate system may be defined for a closure 10 and componentsthereof. Such coordinate system may include a longitudinal axis 12, aradial axis 14, and a circumferential axis 16, as shown.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a closure 10 in accordance with the presentdisclosure includes a cover 20. Cover 20 is generally a domed coverwhich defines an interior 22 and an opening 24 which provides access tothe interior 24. Cover 20 may include an inner surface 26 which definesthe interior 22 and an opposing outer surface 28 which is exposed to theexternal environment.

A tray assembly 30 may be insertable into (and thus disposed within) theinterior 22, such as along the longitudinal axis 12. Tray assembly 30may include one or more splice trays 32 or other suitable components forfacilitating transmission component connections. For example, in thecase of use with fiber optic cables, splices between optical fibersthereof may be housed in the various splice trays.

A base 40 may be insertable at least partially into (and thus disposedat least partially within) the interior 22, such as along thelongitudinal axis 12. In some embodiments, tray assembly 30 may beconnected to the base 40, such that insertion of the base 40 causesinsertion of the tray assembly 30 into the interior 22. Cables 42 may beinserted through the base 40 into the interior 22, and connectionbetween transmission elements thereof (such as optical fibers) may bemade within the interior 22. Accordingly, the base 40 may provideimproved sealing around such cables 42, such that leakage of water orother unwanted environmental materials are prevented from entering theinterior 22.

Additionally, improved sealing may be provided between the base 40 andthe cover 20. For example, and referring to FIGS. 17 through 21, a sealassembly 50 may be disposed between the cover 20, such as the innersurface 26 thereof, and the base 40. Seal assembly 50 may provide a sealwhich prevents unwanted materials from entering the interior 22 betweenthe cover 20 and base 40. Seal assembly 50 may be a generally annularassembly which extends generally along the circumferential axis 16, andmay include a seal member 52 which includes an O-ring 53 and a tail 54extending from the O-ring. Seal member 52 may, for example, be formedfrom a nitrile, natural rubber, or other suitable material. Sealassembly 50 may further include a support member 56. Support member 56may, for example, be formed from a nylon, another suitablethermoplastic, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, asillustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, support member 56 may include a ringbody 57 and one or more snap members 58 extending from the ring body 57.The seal member 52 may be connected to the support member 56, such asvia injection of portions of the tail 54 into openings 59 defined in thering body 57. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 through21, an entire periphery of the ring body 57 may be dualmolded/overmolded with the tail 54, such that no injections intoopenings 59 are necessary.

Seal assembly 50 may advantageously be connected to the cover 20, andmay be disposed within the interior 22, as shown. In some embodiments asillustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, one or more snap members 27 may extendfrom the inner surface 26 into the interior 22, such as adjacent to theopening 24. The snap members 58 may contact the snap members 27 when theseal assembly 50 is inserted into the cover interior 22 of the cover 20.Specifically, snap members 58 may pass over snap members 27, and then beimpeded from passing over snap members 27 in the opposite direction forremoval of the seal assembly from the interior 22, due to the at leastpartially tapered profiles of the snap members 27, 58. In otherembodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 19 through 21, no snap members 27,58 need be utilized. Instead, mechanical fasteners 60 may extend throughthe support member 56 (such as the ring body 57 thereof) and the sealmember 52 (such as the tail 54 thereof) and into the cover 20 to connectthe seal assembly 50 to the cover 20. Accordingly, the seal assembly 50may advantageously be connected to the cover 20 to provide sealing whilealso facilitating easy assembly of the closure 10 and reducing the riskof loss of the seal assembly 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 16 and 22, details of bases 40 inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. Asshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a base 40 may, for example, include a basehousing 100 which extends along the longitudinal axis 12 between a firstouter surface 102 and an opposing second outer surface 104. Whenassembled into a closure 10, the first outer surface 102 may be disposedwithin the interior 22, and the second outer surface 104 may be withinthe interior 22 or exterior to the cover 20. Second outer surface 104may be exposed to the external environment surrounding the closure 10.

Between the first and second outer surfaces 102, 104, a plurality ofcavities 106 may be defined in the base 40. The cavities 106 may bealigned in an annular array, such as along the circumferential axis 16.The cavities 106 may be spaced apart by sidewalls 108 which extend alongthe longitudinal axis 12 between the first and second outer surface 102,104.

Each cavity 106 is designed to accommodate a cable 42 which extendstherethrough, such as along the longitudinal axis 12. Cavity 106 furtherincludes components for facilitating sealing around such cable 42.Further, the base 40 includes various features for connecting wedgeassemblies thereto, each wedge assembly being insertable into a cavity106 such that a cable 42 in a cavity 106 is disposed and sealed betweenthe base housing 100 and a wedge assembly.

For example, each cavity 106 may be subdivided into a sealing portion110 and a cable retention portion 112. The portions 110, 112 may bespaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis 12, and may beseparated by a partition 113. A first gel 114 may be disposed in eachcavity 106, such as in the sealing portion 110. Gel 114 may, forexample, be a thermoplastic, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, such asa vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer. When the cable 42 is inserted intothe cavity 106, the cable 42 may contact the gel 114 such that the gel114 partially surrounds a portion of the cable 42.

As discussed, each cavity 106 is defined between sidewalls 108. Morespecifically, each sidewall 108 includes surfaces 109 which definerespective cavities 106. In some embodiments, the surfaces 109 ofopposing sidewalls 108 which define a cavity 106 may extendsubstantially radially. Alternatively, in exemplary embodiments as shownin FIG. 22, the surfaces 109 of opposing sidewalls 108 which define acavity 106 may extend substantially parallel to each other and thus notsubstantially radially. As utilized herein, the term substantially meanswithin plus-or-minus 15 degrees. The use of substantially parallelsurfaces 109 is particularly advantageous, especially relative tosubstantially radially extending surfaces 109, as the use ofsubstantially parallel surfaces 109 strengthens the sidewalls 108 andbase housing 100 generally and provides improved locating, loading, andsealing of wedge assemblies with the base housing 100 to form the base40.

Additionally, one or more slots 116 may be defined in the base housing100 adjacent each cavity 106, such as through and/or adjacent the firstouter surface 102. Further, one or more passages 118 may be defined inthe base housing 100 adjacent each cavity, such as through and/oradjacent the second outer surface 104. The slots 116 and passages 118may facilitate the connection of wedge assemblies to the base housing100, as discussed herein.

As discussed, and referring now to FIGS. 2 through 16, base 40 mayfurther include a plurality of wedge assemblies 120. Each wedge assembly120 is removably insertable into one of the plurality of cavities 106and removably connectable to the base housing 100. When inserted andconnected, a cable 42 may be sealed within a cavity 106 between the basehousing 100 and a wedge assembly 120.

Each wedge assembly 120 may include an outer cover 122 which defines awedge interior 124. A second gel 126 may be disposed in the wedgeinterior 124. Gel 126 may, for example, be a thermoplastic, such as athermoplastic elastomer, such as a vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer.When the wedge assembly 120 is inserted and connected, the interior 124may face and be disposed within the cavity 106. When the cable 42 isinserted into the cavity 106, the gel 126 may partially surround aportion of the cable 42. The first and second gels 114, 126 may togetherfully surround a portion of the cable 42, in particular when one or bothgels is compressed as discussed herein.

Each wedge assembly 120 may further include a main pressure plate 130.The main pressure plate 130 may be in contact with the second gel 126,and may be movable along the longitudinal axis 12 to selectively applypressure to or remove pressure from the second gel 126. As such pressureis applied to the second gel 126, the gel may move around the cable 42to more fully surround the cable 42 and may provide a seal around thecable 42.

Main pressure plate 130 may include a main body 132 which contacts thesecond gel 126. Further, in exemplary embodiments, an inner springhousing 134 may extend from the second gel 126. Additionally, one ormore stops 136 may be provided on the main body 132, such as adjacentthe inner spring housing 134. Additionally, one or more stops 137 may beprovided in the interior 124, such as extending from an interior walldefining the interior 124.

In exemplary embodiments, a compression assembly 140 may be operable tomove the main pressure plate 130. Compression assembly 140 may interactwith the inner spring housing 134 and/or stops 136, 137 to cause suchmovement. For example, compression assembly 140 includes a compressionspring 142, an actuator 144 (which may for example be a screw as shownor a bolt), and an outer spring housing 146. The compression spring 142may be disposed within the outer spring housing 146 and inner springhousing 134. The outer spring housing 146 may be connected to theactuator 144. Actuator 144 may extend from the wedge interior 124through the outer cover 122 to exterior to the wedge assembly 120, suchthat the actuator 144 is accessible after the wedge assembly 120 isconnected to the base housing 100. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10,actuator 144 may be adjustable along the longitudinal axis 12 relativeto the outer cover 122. Such adjustment may cause movement of the mainpressure plate 130 along the longitudinal axis 12, which in turn maycause pressurization or depressurization of the second gel 126.

Adjustment of the actuator 144 may be a direct linear adjustment, or maybe a linear adjustment caused by rotation thereof, such as inembodiments wherein the actuator 144 is a screw or bolt. When theactuator 144 is moved, this movement may also cause movement of theouter spring housing 146, which may compress or decompress the spring142 along the longitudinal axis 12. During compression, the outer springhousing 146 may overlap and cover the inner spring housing 134. In someembodiments, tabs 147 and/or 147′ may extend from outer spring housing146. As the outer spring housing 146 overlaps the inner spring housing134, tabs 147 may contact stops 136, thus limiting the amount ofcompression of the gel 126 that can occur. During decompression, tabs147′ may contact stops 137, thus limiting the amount of decompression ofthe gel 126 that can occur and/or limiting the movement of the actuator144. For example, tabs 147′ may prevent movement of housing 146 pasttabs 147′, thus defining an uppermost position of the housing 146, viainteraction with stops 137. This in turn may prevent further movement ofthe actuator 144, specifically preventing the actuator 144 from backingout of the wedge assembly 120.

In some embodiment as shown, the actuator 144 may be a screw and thusinclude screw thread(s). Further, in some exemplary embodiments, thescrew thread(s) may include a first portion 148 having a first outerdiameter and a second portion 149 having a second outer diameter whichis different from the first outer diameter. The first portion 148 may beproximate the gel 126 relative to the second portion 149, and the secondportion 149 thus distal from the gel 126 relative to the first portion148, along the longitudinal axis 12. In exemplary embodiments, thesecond outer diameter is greater than the first outer diameter. As such,when the actuator 144 is being actuated along the longitudinal axis 12during compression, the an interference fit may occur between the secondportion 149 and the outer cover 122 as the second portion 149 comes intocontact with the outer cover 122 (such as mating thread(s) thereof),thus further securing the compression assembly 140 and gel 126 in asealed, compressed position.

The use of compression assemblies 140 in accordance with the presentdisclosure is particularly advantageous, as the construction andoperation of such compression assemblies 140 ensures a generallyconsistent pressure is applied to the gel 126 regardless of the size ofthe cable 42 that the gel 126 surrounds. This is due at least in part tothe use of a compression spring 142, as well as the housings 146, 134and other various components.

In some embodiments, each wedge assembly 120 may further include a mainequalization plate 150. The main equalization plate 150 may be incontact with the second gel 126, and may be movable along thelongitudinal axis 12 to selectively apply pressure to or remove pressurefrom the second gel 126. As such pressure is applied to the second gel126, the gel may move around the cable 42 to more fully surround thecable 42 and may provide a seal around the cable 42. The mainequalization plate 150 may be positioned opposite the main pressureplate 130 along the longitudinal axis 12 relative to the second gel 126,such that the second gel 126 is disposed between the main pressure plate130 and main equalization plate 150 along the longitudinal axis 12.

Main equalization plate 150 in exemplary embodiments is exposed toexternal environmental pressure exterior to the closure 10. For example,in some embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 8, a portion of the basehousing 100 and second outer surface 104 may be in the form of a grate152. Apertures 153 in the grate 152 may expose the main equalizationplate 150 to the external environmental pressure. The externalenvironmental pressure may cause movement of the main equalization plate150. For example, as the pressure increases, such as when the closure 10is being provided into a liquid environment, such pressure may act onthe main equalization plate 150. This pressure may cause movement of themain equalization plate 150, such as along the longitudinal axis 12,which in turn may cause the main equalization plate 150 to exertpressure on the second gel 126.

In some embodiments, movement of the main pressure plate 130 and/or mainequalization plate 150 may further indirectly cause an application ofpressure to the first gel 114. For example, the base housing 100 mayfurther include a plurality of auxiliary pressure plates 160. Eachpressure plate 160 may be disposed in a cavity 106, and may be incontact with the first gel 114 disposed in that cavity 106. An auxiliarypressure plate 160 may be movable along the longitudinal axis 12 toselectively apply pressure to or remove pressure from the first gel 114.As such pressure is applied to the first gel 114, the gel may movearound the cable 42 to more fully surround the cable 42 and provide aseal around the cable 42.

Movement of an auxiliary pressure plate 160 may be caused by movement ofan associated main pressure plate 130 which extends into the cavity 106in which the auxiliary pressure plate 160 is disposed. For example, eachmain pressure plate 130 may further include one or more fingers 138which extend from the main body 132 thereof. Each finger 138 may beinsertable into a slot 162 defined in the associated auxiliary pressureplate 160 or may otherwise contact the auxiliary pressure plate 160. Thefingers 138 may thus link the plates 130, 160 such that movement of theplate 130 causes movement of the plate 160.

Additionally or alternatively, the base housing 100 may further includea plurality of auxiliary equalization plates 170. Each equalizationplate 170 may be disposed in a cavity 106, and may be in contact withthe first gel 114 disposed in that cavity 106. An auxiliary equalizationplate 170 may be movable along the longitudinal axis 12 to selectivelyapply pressure to or remove pressure from the first gel 114. As suchpressure is applied to the first gel 114, the gel may move around thecable 42 to more fully surround the cable 42 and provide a seal aroundthe cable 42. The auxiliary equalization plate 170 may be positionedopposite the auxiliary pressure plate 160 along the longitudinal axis 12relative to the first gel 114, such that the first gel 114 is disposedbetween the auxiliary pressure plate 160 and auxiliary equalizationplate 170 along the longitudinal axis 12.

Movement of an auxiliary equalization plate 170 may be caused bymovement of an associated main equalization plate 150 which extends intothe cavity 106 in which the auxiliary equalization plate 170 isdisposed. For example, each main equalization plate 150 may furtherinclude one or more fingers 156 which extend from a main body 154thereof. Each finger 156 may be insertable into a slot 172 defined inthe associated auxiliary equalization plate 170 or may otherwise contactthe auxiliary equalization plate 170. The fingers 156 may link theplates 150, 170 such that movement of the plate 150 causes movement ofthe plate 170.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 7, 11 through 12, and 23 through 32,each wedge assembly 120 is connectable to the base housing 100. Forexample, as discussed, slots 116 and passages 118 are defined in thebase housing 100. Each wedge assembly 120 may include one or more hooks180, each of which is insertable into an associated passage 118.Further, each wedge assembly 120 may include a latch assembly 181. Latchassembly 181 may include one or more adjustable tabs 182, and mayfurther include one or more latches 184. Each latch 184 may be connectedto an associated tab 182. Each tab 182 may be insertable into anassociated slot 116. A latch 184, which may for example be aspring-loaded latch which includes a spring 185 (e.g. a compressionspring), may be operable to adjust the tab 182, such as between anengaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, thetab 182 may be insertable and then disposed within an associated slot116 to connect the wedge assembly 120 to the base housing 100. The tab182 in the engaged position may for example protrude from the outercover 122 such as along the longitudinal axis 12. In the disengagedposition, the tab 182 may be removable from the associated slot 116. Thetab 182 in the disengaged position may for example not protrude from theouter cover 122 or may protrude less than in the engaged position. Inother words, the tab 182 may be retracted in the disengaged positionrelative to in the engaged position.

In some embodiments, latch assembly 181 may further include a bridge186. Bridge 186 may connect and extend between the latches 184 and/ortabs 182, such that the latches 184 and/or tabs 182 can advantageouslybe operated simultaneously. The bridge 186 may further advantageouslyadd stability to the wedge assembly 120 generally.

To operate the latch assembly 181, the latch(es) 184 and/or bridge 186may be actuated by a user, such as by the user applying pressure on thelatch(es) 184 and/or bridge 186 such as along the longitudinal axis 12.Such pressure may cause movement of the latch(es) 184 and/or bridge 186,and thus cause movement of the tabs 182 from the engaged position to thedisengaged position. Once the tabs 182 have been moved from the engagedposition to the disengaged position, the wedge assembly 120 can be movedbetween a connected or disconnected position relative to the basehousing 100. The latch(es) 184 and/or bridge 186 may then be released bythe user, such that the tabs 182 move (such as via a spring-bias forcefrom the latches 184 and springs 185 thereof) from the disengagedposition to the engaged position. When the wedge assembly 120 is in theconnected position relative to the base housing 100, such movement maycause the tabs 182 to be inserted and thus disposed within theassociated slots 116 to connect the wedge assembly 120 to the basehousing 100, as discussed above.

When a wedge assembly 120 is connected to the base housing 100, lockingfeatures may reduce or prevent movement of the wedge assembly 120 invarious directions, such as along the radial axis 14 and/or along thelongitudinal axis 12. For example, tabs 300 on the wedge assembly 120may interlock with tabs 302 on the base housing 100, such as on thesidewalls 108 (such as bottom surfaces thereof) to reduce or preventmovement along the radial axis 14. Tabs 304 on the wedge assembly 120may be inserted in slots 306 on the base housing, such as on thesidewalls 108, to reduce or prevent movement along the longitudinal axis12. Alternatively, interlocking tabs may be utilized to reduce/preventmovement along the longitudinal axis 12 and/or tabs and slots may beutilized to reduce or prevent movement along the radial axis 14, and/orother suitable locking features may be utilized.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 through 30, in some embodiments a latchassembly 181 may further include a stop member 187. Stop member 187 maybe connected to the tab(s) 182, latch(es) 184, or bridge 186, and mayselectively limit movement of the latch assembly 181 and thus movementof the tabs 182 between the engaged and disengaged positions. Inparticular, the stop member 187 may be movable between a first positionwhich limits movement of the adjustable tab(s) 182 and a second positionin which movement of the adjustable tab(s) 184 is not limited by thestop member 187. When the stop member 187 is in the first position, theadjustable tab(s) 184 may be prevented from movement to the disengagedposition. When the stop member 187 is in the second position, theadjustable tab(s) 184 may be free to move to the disengaged position (asdiscussed above). FIGS. 23-26 and 30 illustrate embodiments in which thestop member 187 is in the first position, while FIGS. 27 through 29illustrate embodiments in which the stop member 187 is in the secondposition. FIGS. 23-26 and 30 further illustrate embodiments in which thetab(s) 184 are in the engaged position. FIG. 27 illustrates anembodiment in which the tab(s) 184 are in the engaged position, but thestop member 187 has been moved to the second position to facilitatemovement of the tab(s) 184 to the disengaged position. FIGS. 28 and 29illustrate embodiments in which the tab(s) 184 are in the disengagedposition.

In exemplary embodiments as shown, the stop member 187 may be connectedto and extend from the bridge 186. For example, as shown, the stopmember 187 may be cantilevered from the bridge 186. In exemplaryembodiments, the stop member 187 may be pivotable between the firstposition and the second position. For example, to move the stop member187 from the first position to the second position, the stop member 187may be actuated by a user, such as by the user applying pressure on thestop member 187 such as along a direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 12 (e.g. along the radial axis 14). Such pressure maypivot or otherwise move the stop member 187 from the first position tothe second position, which in turn allows for movement of the tabs 182from the engaged position to the disengaged position as discussed above.

In exemplary embodiments, the stop member 187 may include a lip 188. Lip188 may be disposed proximate a distal end 189 of the stop member 187(relative to an end connected to another component of the latch assembly181, such as the bridge 186. Lip 188 may engage the outer cover 122 whenin the first position, as shown in particular in FIG. 26. As shown, ifan attempt is made to actuate the latch assembly 181 such that thetab(s) 182 are moved from the engaged position to the disengagedposition while the stop member 187 is in the first position, the lip 188may contacts a corresponding outer surface 123 of the outer cover 122and limit or prevent such actuation and movement. However, if an attemptis made to actuate the latch assembly 181 such that the tab(s) 182 aremoved from the engaged position to the disengaged position while thestop member 187 is in the second position, the lip 188 may be out ofalignment with the corresponding outer surface 123 such that no contactis made, thus allowing free actuation and movement as discussed above.

Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 32, latch assembly 181, such as thelatches 184 thereof, may include one or more retention members 400 whichinteract with the outer cover 122 to advantageously secure and maintainthe connection of the latch assembly 181 with the outer cover 122. Eachretention member 400 may extend from the latch assembly 181, such asfrom a latch 184 along the radial axis 14. Further, each retentionmember 400 may have a wedge-shape extending along the longitudinal axis12, thus terminating in a wedge tip 402. The outer cover 122 may includeone or more retention pockets 410 defined therein. Each retention pocket410 may include a wedge-shaped portion 412. When a wedge assembly 120 isassembled, each retention member 400 may be disposed in an associatedpocket 410. When the latch assembly 181 and tabs 182 thereof are in theengaged position, as illustrated in FIG. 32, the wedge tips 402 aredisposed in the respective wedge-shaped portions 412. Such positioningof the wedge tips 402 prevents the retention members 400 from beingremoved from the pockets 410 (such as along the radial axis 14), thussecuring and maintaining the connection of the latch assembly 181 withthe outer cover 122.

Such secure connection may be particularly advantageous during use ofthe wedge assembly 120. For example, as discussed, the tabs 182 aremovable between engaged and disengaged positions. FIG. 31 illustratesmovement of the retention members 400 from the engaged position to thedisengaged position. In the disengaged position, as shown, the wedgetips 402 may be partially or fully removed (e.g. along the longitudinalaxis 12) from the wedge-shaped portions 412. FIG. 32 illustratesmovement of the retention members 400 from the disengaged position tothe engaged position. As discussed herein, such movement may be causedby a spring bias (via, for example, springs 185). During such movement,the wedge tips 402 may be reinserted into the wedge-shaped portions 412,advantageously ensuring that the spring-biasing force does not causeseparation of the latch assembly 181 from the outer cover 122.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, each wedge assembly 120 may furtherinclude an outer flange 190 which extends, such as outwardly along theradial axis 14, from the outer cover 122. One or more apertures 192 maybe defined in the wedge assembly 120, such as at an intersection betweenthe outer flange 190 and outer cover 122. Each aperture 192 may, forexample, be defined in the outer flange 190, the outer cover 122, orboth. The second gel 126 may extend through each aperture 192, such thata portion of the second gel 126 is exterior to the wedge assembly 120.This portion of the second gel 126 may advantageously contact the sealmember 52 to facilitate improved sealing, and may further ensurestability of the second gel 126 relative to the outer cover 122. Thisportion of the second gel 126 is particularly advantageous in providingimproved sealing, because it acts as a “triple point”providing/facilitating a seal between the cover 20 and wedge assembly120 (via interaction with the seal member 52, and in particular theO-ring 53 thereof), between the cover 20 and the base housing 100, andbetween the base housing 100 and the wedge assembly 120.

Additionally, a “bump” or outwardly expanding portion 196 may be definedbetween the outer flange 190 and outer cover 122. Such bump 196 expandradially outwardly as it extends longitudinally from the outer cover 122towards the outer flange 190. Such bump 196 may advantageously serve asa locating and sealing feature for the seal assembly 50 against thewedge assembly 120.

Notably, the base housing 100 may include similar outer flange 190 andbump features 196 as those discussed herein with respect to the wedgeassemblies 120, such that the outer flanges 190 and bump features 196formed together are generally fully annular when the base 40 isassembled.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, base 40 may further include aplurality of cable collar assemblies 200. Collar assemblies 200 may beutilized to initially position cables 42 in the cavities 106, and toprevent radial or axial movement of the cables 42 once connected andsealed within the base 40. Each cable collar assembly 200 may beinsertable into one of the plurality of cavities 106, such as the cableretention portion 112 thereof. Each assembly 200 may include a cableclamp 202 and a frame 206. Clamp 202 may include a band 203 and nut 204,and frame 206 may define a passage 207 and a slot 208. During assembly,the band 203 may be routed through the passage 207 and around the cable42. The nut 204 may then be utilized to tighten the band 203. Duringsuch tightening, the nut 204 may become positioned in the slot 208, andthus advantageously not impede any connections or sealing within thebase 40.

In exemplary embodiments, an aperture 210 may be defined in the frame206, and this aperture may mate with a protrusion 212 provided in thecavity 106, such as in the cable retention portion 112. The interactionbetween the aperture 210 and the protrusion 212 may further position thecollar assembly 220 appropriately in the cavity 106, such as in thecable retention portion 112.

During assembly, a collar assembly 200 may initially be connected to acable 42. The collar assembly 200 and associated cable 42 may then beinserted into a cavity 106. For example, the collar assembly 200 may beinserted into the cable retention portion 112 of the cavity 106. Aftersuch insertion, a wedge assembly 120 may be connected to the basehousing 100. Once such connection has occurred, the actuator 144 may beactuated to provide the seal around the cable 42. In some cases,additional pressurization of the sealing gel(s) may occur when theclosure 10 is put under pressure, such as underwater. For disassembly,the above-discussed steps may simply be reversed.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A butt closure base, comprising: a base housingextending along a longitudinal axis between a first outer surface and asecond outer surface, the base housing defining a plurality of cavitiesbetween the first and second outer surfaces, the plurality of cavitiesaligned in an annular array; a plurality of wedge assemblies, each ofthe plurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of theplurality of cavities, each of the plurality of wedge assembliescomprising a latch assembly, the latch assembly comprising an adjustabletab and a stop member movable between a first position which limitsmovement of the adjustable tab and a second position in which movementof the adjustable tab is not limited by the stop member, wherein theadjustable tab removably connects the wedge assembly to the basehousing.
 2. The butt closure base of claim 1, wherein the stop member ispivotable between the first position and the second position.
 3. Thebutt closure base of claim 1, wherein the stop member comprises a lipwhich engages the outer cover in the first position and does not engagethe outer cover in the second position.
 4. The butt closure base ofclaim 1, wherein the adjustable tab is a plurality of adjustable tabs,the latch assembly further comprises a bridge connecting the adjustabletabs, and the stop member extends from the bridge.
 5. The butt closurebase of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of latches connected tothe bridge.
 6. The butt closure base of claim 1, wherein the adjustabletab is movable to a disengaged position when the stop member is in thesecond position and not movable to the disengaged position when the stopmember is in the first position.
 7. The butt closure base of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of cavities is defined between surfaces ofopposing sidewalls, and wherein the surfaces extend substantiallyparallel to each other.
 8. The butt closure base of claim 1, furthercomprising a gel disposed in at least one of the cavities or the wedgeassemblies.
 9. A butt closure base, comprising: a base housing extendingalong a longitudinal axis between a first outer surface and a secondouter surface, the base housing defining a plurality of cavities betweenthe first and second outer surfaces, the plurality of cavities alignedin an annular array, wherein a first gel is disposed in each of theplurality of cavities; a plurality of wedge assemblies, each of theplurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of theplurality of cavities and removably connectable to the base housing,each of the plurality of wedge assemblies comprising an outer cover anda second gel, each of the plurality of wedge assemblies furthercomprising a latch assembly, the latch assembly comprising a stop membermovable between a first position which limits movement of the latchassembly and a second position in which movement of the latch assemblyis not limited by the stop member.
 10. The butt closure base of claim 9,wherein the stop member is pivotable between the first position and thesecond position.
 11. The butt closure base of claim 9, wherein the stopmember comprises a lip which engages the outer cover in the firstposition and does not engage the outer cover in the second position. 12.The butt closure base of claim 9, wherein the latch assembly comprises aplurality of adjustable tabs and a bridge connecting the adjustabletabs, and wherein the stop member extends from the bridge.
 13. The buttclosure base of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of latchesconnected to the bridge.
 14. The butt closure base of claim 9, whereinthe latch assembly comprises an adjustable tab, wherein the adjustabletab is movable to a disengaged position when the stop member is in thesecond position and not movable to the disengaged position when the stopmember is in the first position.
 15. The butt closure base of claim 9,wherein each of the plurality of cavities is defined between surfaces ofopposing sidewalls, and wherein the surfaces extend substantiallyparallel to each other.